RICS Level 2 Survey in Wareside

Our RICS Level 2 survey is a detailed visual inspection of every accessible part of the property. We look at walls, roof, floors, doors and windows, and we check for damp, rot, structural movement and defects in the construction. The report also compares the home with others of a similar type and age, so you can see whether any issues are normal for the area or need closer attention.

In Wareside, we often see homes built in traditional red brick and grey brick, usually under slate roofs, especially the older farmhouses and manor houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Little Blakesware, a Grade II listed farmhouse from around 1800, is a good example of the sort of historic property found in the village, with grey brickwork and a hipped slate roof. Our inspectors know these older methods well, and they can spot the problems that often come with period buildings, such as movement in aged brickwork or wear in historic roof structures.

Blakesware Manor, rebuilt in red-brick neo-Tudor style between 1876 and 1889, is another important part of Wareside’s architectural story. Homes like this give the village much of its character, although they also need a careful eye to pick up any age-related or construction-related defects. Our surveyors understand how to assess these historic buildings while still respecting what makes them significant.

We set out the findings in a clear condition rating system, so it is easy to see what needs urgent attention, what should be dealt with soon, and what needs further investigation. Alongside that, we give practical maintenance advice to help protect the property over time. For homes in Wareside’s conservation area, we also point out any features of architectural or historic interest, so you understand both the property’s character and any restrictions that may apply.

• Damp and moisture assessment
• Roof condition and covering inspection
• Wall structure and visible defects
• Window and door operation
• Floor structure and coverings
• Services (electrics, plumbing, heating)
• Evidence of subsidence or movement
• Conservation area considerations

Wareside is best known for its historic homes and conservation area, but the wider East Hertfordshire area is seeing significant new development. Land North and East of Ware (SG12) is a major strategic allocation in the East Herts District Plan, with plans for up to 1,000 new homes plus further development subject to highways mitigation. That scale of change will reshape the nearby area and could influence property values and infrastructure in Wareside.

Closer to the village, smaller schemes and conversions are also appearing. Great Cozens on Fanhams Hall Road in Ware (SG12 7PU) has planning permission for three detached dwellings, while Bourne Farm in Wareside (SG12 7SH) has approval to convert an existing barn into holiday accommodation. The Grange at Swades Farm also involves barn conversions for residential use, which makes for interesting opportunities in the Wareside market.

Those conversions bring their own survey challenges because of the changes to use and construction. A barn turned into a home can hide issues in the original structure, insulation or damp proofing, and our inspectors know exactly where to look. We assess the quality of the conversion work and pick out any defects that have appeared since it was completed.

Even if you are looking at a new build, our RICS Level 2 survey still has real value, because it can reveal construction defects or issues that have shown up since completion. New properties can still have snagging problems, and it is better to identify them before you exchange or complete. Our inspectors know the common new build faults, and they can assess a brand new home just as confidently as a historic barn conversion.

The Wareside property market has moved strongly, with prices rising 40% compared with the previous year, despite some fluctuation in the broader housing market. Homes on Ware Road in Wareside (SG12 7QX) have seen particularly notable activity, although the postcode sector SG12 has posted a more modest 0.9% growth over the last year. In a market like that, proper survey advice matters before you commit to a purchase.

Many homes in Wareside are older, and a fair number date from the Victorian and Edwardian periods or even earlier. These properties often have plenty of character, but they can also conceal defects that only an experienced surveyor will spot. Our team regularly finds roof deterioration, damp problems and structural movement in period homes across the village.

The conservation area status of the village brings another layer of thought for buyers. Properties within it may face restrictions on alterations or extensions, and some features may need to be retained. We include conservation area implications in our reports, so you understand the responsibilities that can come with owning a historic property in Wareside.

With an average property price of £665,000 in Wareside, buying here is a serious commitment. A RICS Level 2 survey, starting from just £480, is only a small part of that outlay, yet it can protect you against repair bills that might otherwise run into tens of thousands of pounds.